Great post bulD, good to hear a long term view. I often look at Burning Man as a symptom of something happening in the world, of a longing we have that we can't really put into so many words.

When I look at it this way I know that even if it was to cease to exist, another expression of whatever the spirit is would take it's place. The Genie is out of the bottle, wearing fur, and wandering the desert with a camelback and a stupid grin on his face.

My first year was ’98. On most accounts that doesn’t qualify as an “old timer”, just a regular burner who’s seen a few years.

I’d agree, the animal has changed, but don’t think the experience has changed.

People can still go out to the playa and express themselves in deeply radical ways and have people say, “that’s damn fucking awesome.” What’s more, on the rare occasions where there’s negative feedback, people don’t have to defend themselves; other burners leap to defense. It’s as if there is an almost physiological reflex toward defending radical self expression.

It’s an amazing thing to watch. To see first time burners quickly defend radical self expression. I believe that’s the spirit which drives the experience.

Everything else can change, but as long as radical self expression is fostered and protected . . .

There is something to be said for the school system teaching us when we are kids to get as low as possible during certain emergency situations. What they don't teach us however is how to get the stains out of our shorts...

I did the drive by shooting range one of my first years back in 92 or 93.

Stopped at Raley's in Reno and picked up lots of liver and cheap meat. tore the backs open on a few stuffed dinosaurs and replaced the stuffing with meat. Lots of meat. Sew back up, impale on stick and go for the pum action through the sunroof of a red Honda.